Pin-a-plug time saving device for re-keying a lock

Abstract

A device for re-keying a lock that frees the locksmith from having to handle individual tumblers. A magazine is provided for each tumbler in the lock. Each magazine is numbered or coded to indicate the size of the tumblers within. The magazines fit into the top of a housing that temporarily holds the plug portion of the lock to be re-keyed. Upon alignment of the magazines with their corresponding holes in the plug, the tumblers fall into place and the lock has effectively been re-keyed. The plug is then removed from the housing and ready to be placed back in its original lock assembly.

1. A device for re-keying a lock, the device comprising:
 a housing, the housing having an upper portion, a front, a rear, and an at least partially hollow interior, wherein the upper portion of the housing has multiple holes that lead into the hollow interior of the housing; 
 a housing holder that supports and rotate-ably holds the housing, the holder providing for a rotation of the housing of at least 45 degrees; and, 
 multiple magazines, wherein each magazine is adapted to hold multiple tumblers, and the magazines are complementary in size to the holes in the upper portion of the housing so that the magazines can be inserted into, and held within, the holes, further comprising a follower, wherein the follower fits into the rear of the housing and is able to slide through the interior of the housing, wherein the follower is able to assist in removing any plug that is inserted into the housing through the front of the housing. 
 
   
   
     2. The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a magazine holder, wherein the magazine holder is attached to the upper portion of the housing and the magazine holder includes a hole for each of the magazines. 
   
   
     3. The device of  claim 2 , wherein there are at least four magazines. 
   
   
     4. The device of  claim 3 , wherein the housing holder is able to rotate the housing 90 degrees. 
   
   
     5. The device of  claim 4 , wherein the magazines fit into the holes in magazine holder and the holes in the upper portion of the housing, and the magazines do not protrude into the interior of the housing.